|
To determine whether alcohol outlet density was correlated with heavy and frequent drinking and drinking-related problems, we compared ecological measures of outlet density with survey measures of drinking using a geographic information system and the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (n=3,421, site n=8). We identified 966 outlets within eight two-mile study areas. Densities/site ranged from 32 to 185. Density was correlated with heavy drinking (r=0.82, p=0.01), frequent drinking (r=0.73, p=0.04) and drinking-related problems (r=0.79, p=0.02). Women, underage students and students who picked up binge drinking in college were affected. Implications for prevention and research are discussed.
KEYWORDS: Alcohol use; Drinking problems; Alcohol outlet density; Prevention; Environment; College
Correction to article: On page 2 under Results, the sentence "A majority of students reported they were White and between 48% reported they were younger than 21-64 years of age, the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol." should read "A majority of students reported they were White and between 48% and 64% reported they were younger than 21 years of age, the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol."
|
